10 Iconic Mammootty-Mohanlal Movies

Malayalam cinema’s iconic superstars, Mammootty and Mohanlal, are set to grace the big screen together once again in Mahesh Narayanan’s highly anticipated espionage thriller Patriot, marking their first significant collaboration in 13 years.

Even with the emergence of new stars and blockbusters that do not rely on traditional star power (looking at you, Vaazha 2), the Malayalam cinema fanbase remains, at its core, divided into two camps, Mammootty’s and Mohanlal’s.

These two legends have been ruling the industry since the late 1980s, and they show no signs of slowing down. Both have delivered massive blockbusters, earned multiple state awards, and bagged National Awards, firmly cementing their place among the finest actors not just in Indian cinema, but… dare I say… in world cinema.

On May 1, Malayalam cinema has a major reason to celebrate, especially for fans of both stars. For the first time in 13 years, the two icons reunite for the big screen in Mahesh Narayanan’s espionage thriller Patriot.

While Mammootty leads the big-budget saga, Mohanlal appears in an extended cameo as an army officer aiding the fugitive protagonist. Also starring Nayanthara, Kunchacko Boban and Fahadh Faasil, the film is poised for a strong opening at the box office.

While their reunion is undoubtedly cause for celebration, many cinephiles still find it astonishing that the duo has shared screen space in over 50 films, a fact Mammootty himself acknowledged in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India.

Most of these collaborations date back to the 1980s, with their joint appearances becoming increasingly rare through the 1990s and beyond. If records are to be believed, their first film together was P K Joseph’s 1981 drama Oothikachiya Ponnu.

Throughout the 1980s, they frequently appeared together — sometimes as co-leads, sometimes with one playing the antagonist (more often than not Mohanlal), and occasionally in memorable cameos.

While there are far too many collaborations to list here

Padayottam (1982)

This multi-starrer period adventure directed by Jijo Punnoose did not feature either Mammootty or Mohanlal as the central lead. Yet, it earns its place on this list for the sheer novelty of its casting, of Mammootty playing Mohanlal’s father.

Also starring Prem Nazir, Madhu, Shankar, and Poornima Bhagyaraj, the film is a loose adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

Adiyozhukkukal (1984)

Directed by I V Sasi, this social drama earned Mammootty his first of a record seven Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor. He delivers a powerful performance as Karunan, a rough-edged fisherman angry with the society that once sent him to prison.

The narrative entwines him in a love triangle with Devyani (Seema) and Gopi (Mohanlal), both victims of societal malice, who ultimately find solace in his compassion.

Avidathe Pole Ivideyum (1985)

K S Sethumadhavans feel-good entertainer has enjoyed enduring popularity through television reruns. Mammootty and Mohanlal play close friends and roommates who marry each other’s sisters (Shobana and Kavita Thakur).

The film explores the strains that arise in their marriages due to contrasting values, and how those tensions ripple into their friendship.

Vartha (1986)

Another I V Sasi film, Vartha stands out as a compelling exploration of the nexus between media and politics.

Mammootty shines as the principled journalist Madhavankutty while Mohanlal plays the volatile yet well-meaning Parole Vasu. The film is particularly remembered for its violent climax that involved some shocking deaths.

Kariyilakkattu Pole (1986)

Padmarajan’s Kariyilakkattu Pole is counted among one of Malayalam cinema’s best investigative thrillers. This film sees Mammootty as a controversial filmmaker found dead under mysterious circumstances, with Mohanlal as the police officer probing the case.

As the investigation proceeds, layers peel away from the enigma of the murdered director leading to a shocking climax.

Gandhinagar 2nd Street (1986)

Sathyan Anthikad’s social dramedy remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved entertainers, with Mohanlal’s ‘Bheem Singh ka beta, Ram Singh‘ standing out as one of his most memorable roles.

Mammootty, too, makes a delightful cameo as Seema’s Gulf-returned, green-flag husband with his introductory scene carrying an instantly likeable recall value.

No 20 Madras Mail (1990)

This murder mystery thriller, directed by Joshiy, remains one of the most rewatched works featuring both actors. Mohanlal plays a wealthy, wayward alcoholic who becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a young girl aboard the titular train, along with his friends.

Mammootty appears as himself, a superstar who befriends the group aboard the train and eventually helps them uncover the real killer. The film was later remade in Hindi as Teesra Kaun, starring Mithun Chakraborty and Chunky Pandey.

Harikrishnans (1998)

After No 20 Madras Mail, it took eight years for Mohanlal and Mammootty to reunite in another investigative thriller, this time directed by Fazil.

The film rode high on hype, not just for its casting, but also for marking Juhi Chawla’s Malayalam debut. The songs were hugely popular, and the film was a box-office success.

Harikrishnans is also remembered for its controversial dual climaxes; some theatres screened a version where Mammootty’s character wins the heroine, while others showed Mohanlal’s character ending up with Juhi’s Meera.

Narasimham (2000)

One of Mohanlal’s biggest blockbusters, Narasimham is remembered for his iconic portrayal of Induchoodan and his fiery dialogues, particularly the famous catchphrase, ‘Nee Po Monne Dineshaa!‘

Adding to the film’s appeal is Mammootty’s powerful cameo as Advocate Nandagopal Marar, who steps in to support Induchoodan when the latter must save his father from being wrongfully imprisoned.

Twenty:20 (2008)

Joshiy’s Twenty:20 stands as a celebratory milestone in Malayalam cinema, bringing together a staggering ensemble of actors from the industry. At its core is the rivalry between Mammootty’s Advocate Ramesh Nambiar and Mohanlal’s Devaraja Prathapa Varma.

Needless to say, every scene featuring the two crackles with energy, satisfying fans of both the camps. That said, some portions of the film — particularly the flashback track involving Dileep and Bhavana — have not aged well, for reasons that hardly need spelling out.